"And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death. He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey. For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire." Jeremiah 21:8-10

The Jewish people had rebelled against the Lord through the years. God had promised that they would be punished and taken into captivity. Jeremiah was sent to them with a message. Destruction of the city was inevitable, but they could make a choice. Those who willingly submitted would be taken to Babylon, and those who chose to resist would be destroyed with the city.

It had already been prophesied that captivity would last for seventy years. The prophets told them to settle in Babylon, build homes, and plant gardens. When the time was fulfilled, they would return to their own land. If they would listen to the words of the prophet, the Lord would be with them during their time of captivity.

Have you ever faced a time of decision when you just could not seem to get the answer? You prayed and asked the Lord to show you the right way to go. Then you attend a church service, and it seems like every song that is sung has a message for you. The Pastor announces his text and proceeds to deliver what the Lord has laid on his heart for that day. He did not know what you were going through. But God did. By the time you leave the service, you have received the answer and know exactly what you should do.

The Lord has placed Pastors and leaders over us who love us and desire for us to grow in our relationship with the Lord. God gives them the wisdom and guidance to show us the way we should go. We must choose to listen to their instructions and submit ourselves to them.

Heb 13:17 "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

Thought For Today: Trust the Lord to help you make the right choice.

Devotion by Anne Johnston